Syscall Proxy for Distributed Computing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed computing techniques, such as the client/server model with Remote Procedure Call (RPC), are not optimized for network penetration testing and require prior knowledge of intent, making them unsuitable for scenarios like network penetration testing, where interoperability among different platforms is not necessary and a small server footprint is required.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of syscall proxying, which allows a system call originating from a local computer to be executed on a remote computer via a network using a syscall server, enabling transparent access to remote resources without modifying the target system, and providing a small system call server as a replacement for shellcode to facilitate network penetration testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RPC model is used for distributed computing, then interoperability between different platforms is achieved, but application rewriting and rebuilding is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a syscall proxy server as an intermediary component that sits between the penetration testing tool and the target system. This proxy intercepts and forwards system calls, enabling platform independence without requiring application rewriting. The proxy server acts as a mediator that translates requests between different platforms, solving the interoperability problem while maintaining application compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the target system's syscall interface through the proxy server. Instead of directly interacting with the target system, the penetration testing tool communicates with a replicated interface that mimics the target's behavior. This copying approach allows the tool to operate without modification while maintaining compatibility with the target platform.
2Reliability
If shellcode is used for penetration testing, then control of target system is obtained, but server footprint is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy syscall handling logic from the penetration testing tool and relocates it to a minimal proxy server running on the target system. This extraction allows the main tool to remain lightweight while the proxy server, which handles the complex syscall operations, is kept to the smallest possible footprint. Only essential syscall forwarding functionality is implemented in the proxy, removing unnecessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a disposable, minimal proxy server that is deployed temporarily on the target system during penetration testing. This lightweight proxy is designed to be as small as possible, using only the minimum required resources to forward system calls. After the testing operation completes, the proxy can be removed, leaving no permanent footprint on the target system.
3Productivity
If target system is modified for penetration testing, then testing capability is improved, but system integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct modification of the target system with a virtualization approach. Instead of altering the target system's core components or installing persistent agents, the syscall proxy creates a virtual interface layer that intercepts and forwards system calls. This substitution allows penetration testing capabilities to be added without physically or structurally modifying the target system, preserving its integrity while enabling enhanced testing functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for executing a system call originating in a local computer on a first remote computer connected to the local computer via a network. Communication is established between the local computer and the first remote computer via the network. A syscall server is installed in the first remote computer. A reference address is sent from the first remote computer to the local computer via the network through execution of code by the syscall server. A syscall request is built in the local computer with arguments determined using the reference address received from the first remote computer. The syscall request is sent from the local computer to the first remote computer via the network. The syscall request is copied into a stack of the first remote computer through execution of code by the syscall server. Registers are popped from the syscall request in the stack. Execution of a syscall request is initiated on the first remote computer. The result of the syscall request is pushed onto the stack. At least a portion of the result of the syscall request is sent to the local computer via the network through execution of code by the syscall server.